30% discount at Gap

Typical. I hadn't bought anything in Gap for ages, but decided I needed some new trousers for work at the weekend and went in and bought two pairs there, as well as a cardigan, some socks and a jumper for the husband. And then I get this voucher, after removing all the tags and wearing some of the stuff...

Oh well, maybe I'll just have to pop back in again and get some more of their knitwear (really nice fine merino wool cardigans and shell tops) and socks (very soft, very comfy, nice colours and stars!). Maybe I can pick up a Christmas present or two while I'm at it.

Print the voucher at the link above for 30% off at Gap in the UK and Ireland, also valid in Arnotts and House of Fraser concessions. Valid from November 19th to 30th.

Comme des Garcons for H & M

If previous H&M collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney are anything to go by, the Comme des Garcons collection will disappear in a flurry of buyitnowandthensellitonebayatvastlyinflatedprices as soon as H&M opens its doors tomorrow morning. But on the offchance that Dublin's shopping public is more restrained than that, I'll be popping into the new South King Street branch of the chain tomorrow evening to check out the cute polka-dot cardigans and slightly off-kilter tailored items that this collection offers.

I'm not sure I'd be able to pull off the pantaloon-esque trousers, but love the idea of the layered polka dot items and fitted tuxedo jacket, as well as the crisp shirts which will be perfect for the work wardrobe. Prices start at €22.90 for a simple long-sleeved top and work their way up to €299 for the fabulously gothic dress.

See the full collection here.

A stylish cuppa with Orla Kiely and Bewleys

A lot cheaper than her handbags, but just as desirable, the new tea caddy designed by Orla Kiely for Bewleys is top of my must-have-it-now list. Priced at a very reasonable €6.99 and packed full of Bewleys Gold Blend tea bags, this will brighten up teatime in any kitchen. Pair it with an Orla Kiely mug (€14.99 from Kilkenny stores) for the ultimate Christmas present.

Peter O'Brien for A¦Wear Winter 08

Peter O'Brien's third collection for A¦Wear launched last week and I'm happy to report that it's a good bit younger than last year's collection was. His collections generally tend to be ageless in appeal, but the one last year seemed to be quite a bit more mature and less versatile than this collection is.

If you like the tailored look, then there'll plenty to please you here, from high-waisted sailor pants to a beautiful vintage-y ruffled blouse or a fabulous frock coat with what seems like a hundred buttons.

I also like the new colour palette of nude, heather and navy; shades which are a bit more flattering than the blacks and browns which have dominated previous collections.

Most of all, though, I am in love with the hair and makeup styling for the ad campaign. I may not dare to recreate the multiple giant bows, but I think they compliment the collection beautifully for styling purposes. The pink lips, glowy pink cheeks and strong brows are definitely a look I can recreate for the office however...

Orla Kiely Fashion Targets Breast Cancer collection

I love, love, love Orla Kiely's signature graphic prints and her new collection for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is no exception. Based around the bull's eye target symbol used by the FTBC organisation, this capsule collection includes a shoulder bag (€160), book bag (€165), wallet (€90) and makeup bag (€85).

All proceeds will go to Action Breast Cancer (who provide services for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer) and Europa Donna Ireland (who campaign for better cancer services for patients), so you get the double bonus of donating to a very worthwhile cause while picking up a lovely new bag for yourself!

Oh and if you needed any more excuses, the waterproof coated canvas on these makes them ideal for rainy weather. Just sayin'...

Silk Scarf from APC

Accessories are invaluable when it comes to refreshing your look. Who needs a new wardrobe every season when you can make classic outfits look brand new with a well-chosen scarf or belt? And it just so happens that accessories is where my own wardrobe is sadly lacking, so I think I may just need to remedy that, starting with this leopard-print silk scarf from APC.

A little bit fun and a little bit retro-glam, this is just what I need to inject a bit of fashion into the many basic staples in my wardrobe. A plain t-shirt and jeans (or, in this weather, a nice cashmere jumper and jeans) will instantly look more interesting with the addition of this scarf. Now I just need to decide on the colour...



Sandwashed silk
100% silk
200x35cm
€65

Hot on the heels of the big brands

If you and your bank balance have been idly wondering what the It Bag for Autumn/Winter 08 might be, then wonder no more, for the It Bag, it IS. NO. MORE. But fashion being fashion, this doesn't mean we can put our credit cards on ice. Oh no. The It Bag, she has been replaced by The Statement Shoe.

What to do if your cashflow is more M&S than Manolo (soon to be opening a concession at Brown Thomas!)? Well, don't automatically jump to thinking "granny shoes", but Clarks is the place to be this season...

Just take a look at some of these beauties up above? When Balenciaga brought out their very architectural wedges last year, little did we think this was a trend that would make it to the high street. But there they are, and in Clarks of all places. And if those wedges are a little bit too much statement for your liking, check out the red patent peep-toes or the black patent courts - the pretty almond-shaped toe and solid heel make these a practical as well as pretty choice.

Most styles are priced at €100 or below, so if you want to add to your shoe wardrobe without making your bank manager cry, Clarks might be the choice for you (but not if I get to those heeled patent Oxfords first...).